FITZROY 2 v RICHMOND GREENS 23 May 2010

Richmond is a team we have played before both in, home and way , and finals. The games are always close and competitive and today's game at Brunswick Street Oval was no exception.

The game started with some beautiful marks, one to Sam and another to Floyd, resulting in the first point on the board. The first major score went to Richmond and then another point to the Roys. There was a lot of "toing and froing", with rough hard tackling. Himi (today's captain) defended the Richmond goal with a strong mark in front of goal. Then Richmond added two more scores to the board, at the first quarter break, Richmond lead by 11 points.

The Roys went into the second quarter, fighting hard to get their first goal on the board. A clash of heads saw Darcy and James on the ground, with Darcy being the first of a long line of injuries. Richmond scored the next two goals, but the Roys kept fighting. Great marking by Sam and Tom, and a point on the board to Walt and Tom. Where was that illusive goal? Great defending by Finn, and the ball was back down the Roy's goal square and another point. Then a magnificent mark to Floyd and a goal, the first for the Roys. The Roys were now on fire, Jesse, Mick, James and Michael, all instrumental in getting the ball down to Sam who goaled, and then another goal to the Roys. Three goals in a row and the Roys were back in the game. Two more points were added to Richmond's score, and the siren sounded for half time, the Roys fighting back to make the difference 5 points.

The Roy's were the walking wounded with Hudson off the ground injured, corked thighs, sore heads.... the list went on. This did not stop the determination of the Roy's. Sam scored another goal for the Roys, putting the Roys in front. Martin chased and got the ball down to Issac who also goaled. All the play was down the Roy's end. Our bench had to keep warm, in case they were needed. James took a great mark, followed bygreat spoiling by Gilbert and Tom when the ball was down in Richmond's goal square. A great mark in goal by Nick, and again the Roys were out of trouble. A controversial "was it, wasn't it" goal to Richmond and then another point to Richmond. Tough tackling and attacking resulted in a rushed point to the Roys and then another goal to Richmond. The ball was down in Richmond's goal square again, Nick touched the ball to rush through a certain goal to Richmond and the the siren for the end of the third quarter.

The Roys went into the final quarter 8 points down, the first score of the quarter was a point to Richmond. John got the ball and ran down the ground roosting the ball to Mick and a goal. The Roys were still in it, they were only three points down. Richmond's towering no.24, then took control of the game, Richmond adding 3 goals and 3 points to to stop any chance of a win for the Roys.

Bad luck boys, a hard fought game. Rest up and take care of all the aches and pains. GO ROYS!

THE SCORE BOARD